Nelson Mandela RIP

Having not devoted much time to studying them or the controversies about them, I have no particular opinion about that part of his life — and certainly none that merits public airing or anyone else’s opinion.

But I’m quite confident that, later in his life, Nelson Mandela became a great man — and that the world lost a titanic, iconic, heroic figure today.

“Invictus”

(William Ernest Henley)

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.